My grandmother is one of the special people in my life for a variety of reasons. I am, who I am because of her.

For most of my childhood I have been taken care of by my grandmother. My working mother was always busy with her work. During those times, I became close to my grandmother. Maybe that’s why I am more like her than my mother.

She used to run behind me for making me finish the food and coffee she made for me. My grandmother’s usual morning routine was to wake up. Then she would get freshened. After that, she started preparing neer dose and coffee for the family. When I woke up all these things were ready and my parents would have left the office already. My grandmother starts calling my name continuously to have the food and coffee. 

When the weekend arrived , I used to spend time with her in various ways. She became a widow at a very young age. Her fondness for nail polish, bhindi, kumkum, ornaments, and flowers never stopped even though being a widow. In those times , it was not a culture for widows to do these things. I must say she was brave and followed her beliefs without fear. Whenever I brought a new color of nail polish, she would come behind me. She would ask “Nangu haaku” 😃 cutely, which translates to “Put on me as well”. I was her favorite grand kid and she used to take me wherever she goes.

She is one of the most talkative people I have ever seen in life. She can talk the whole day without sleep non stop with one topic to another. So I guess I inherited that from her 🤪. People who have known me for a while have always shouted: “adestu matadthi swalpa silent kutko.” This translates to: “how much do you speak, stay silent for sometime” 😁. Oh here I go again non stop writing as well 😃.

She passed away when I got my new job. Sadly, I could not see her for the last time because I was in Bangalore. I had to join the new company. But I am sure she would be very happy with her favorite grand kids decision of staying back in Bangalore for the job. She would not regret anything in her life and lived through all the hardships.

So Ajji, wherever you are, I still remember you from time to time. I thank you for who you have made me.